Im going to die.
A day after Charlotte left, Kraush woke up groaning in pain that seed to engulf his entire body.
The duel with Charlotte had lasted a re three seconds.
Yet, it was he who had damaged himself more than Charlottes attacks had.
But there was no helping it.
Against soone like Charlotte, showing his full power without holding anything back was the only thod available.
Thanks to which, he managed to land a significant blow on that monstrous Charlotte, though it was just a scratch on her aura.
Is that really sothing to laugh about?
Kraush, who had caught himself chuckling, forced his lips into a straight line upon the critical remark issued by Crimson Garden from the window.
What else can I do? Although the preparatory process was lengthy, the technique I practiced succeeded, and even Sister got hit by it.
Annihilation Erosion.
It was a new technique Kraush had conceived by combining Annihilation Erosion and the Art of Fusion, featuring unparalleled destructive power.
If he honed it, it could beco a secret technique capable of annihilating an opponent with the first strike.
Honestly, because its Charlotte, she blocked it.
Kraush was confident there was no one among his peers who could defend against that strike.
Seeing as that was the case, even Crimson Gardens ridicule couldnt dampen his spirits that praise wouldnt be enough.
You are the student I trained; I never thought you would delight over such things. Honestly, do you enjoy getting hurt and inflicting pain on yourself, you intractable pervert?
Dont make out to be sothing odd.
Protesting Crimson Gardens remark, Kraush slowly pulled himself to his feet.
Although his body ached all over, he had kept his aura flowing continuously since morning.
So he was at least able to move around.
Lying around would be a waste of ti.
He had to hand over the Golden Dragon Grass and Snow-White Heat Mushroom to Darling to create an elixir.
Therefore, Kraush got up despite his wretched condition.
Thud!
In that mont, the door to Kraushs room swung open.
Bianca was standing there, holding a tray with porridge on it.
As Biancas expressionless gaze t Kraushs, his movents halted as he reached for his clothes.
Biancas eyebrows furrowed ever so slightly, and Kraush realized it ant she was upset.
Mr. Kraush.
You need to get up if youre going to eat porridge.
Having said that, Kraush shuffled toward a chair and flopped down into it.
Bianca, who had been observing him silently, eventually placed the tray of porridge on the table.
Kraush had a knack for detail.
Taking a spoonful of the porridge Bianca handed to him, he realized sothing.
Bianca made this.
The porridge was sweet.
And this sweetness was reminiscent of the sandwiches he had eaten before.
Is this what suits a childs palate?
While Kraush pondered this, he tasted the porridge and spoke.
Its delicious.
Thank you.
Bianca responded imdiately, seemingly without any intent to hide that she was the cook.
Youve been cooking quite a bit lately. Do you find it fun?
In the past, Kraush had never seen Bianca cook.
Out of curiosity, and after all hed scarcely seen her do anything else, he asked her.
Bianca leaned on the table and replied, resting her arms on it.
Its fun watching you eat, Mr. Kraush.
Do I eat that amusingly?
Im not sure myself.
But since Bianca seed to be in a good mood, Kraush finished his porridge without further comnt.
It was a bit sweet but not tasteless.
Moreover, having sothing in his stomach revitalized him.
After gulping down a restorative potion Bianca prepared, Kraush loosened up a bit more.
Ill be heading over to Danphelions today.
Kraush ntioned this, turning to look at Bianca.
Do you want to co along?
Did you intend to leave behind?
Bianca pouted as if it was obvious she would accompany him.
Now accustod to this, Kraush paused while changing to gaze at Bianca.
Arent you leaving?
Oh.
Suddenly rembering, Bianca rose from her seat, carrying the plate of porridge, and looked at Kraush again.
Should I help you dress?
Do I look like a child?
Well, youre not an adult.
His retorts had increased lately.
Kraush gestured for her to leave already, and Bianca stepped out of the room.
Watching her go, Kraush changed clothes and went outside.
Bianca was already waiting there.
As Kraush began walking, Bianca followed closely behind as usual.
It seed to have beco a habit of sorts.
Kraush then saw Aliod, who had been waiting for him, and addressed him.
Aliod, to Danphelions.
Yes, Young Master.
It was ti to make the elixir.
The Danphelion family, famous for their alchemy.
True to their reputation, as soon as Kraushs carriage entered the street, the distinct sll of chemicals lingered in the air.
It stinks.
Just like before, with her sensitive nose, Bianca pinched her nose shut.
Although she would grow accustod to it over ti, there was nothing to be done about it now.
This scent was practically the emblem of Danphelion.
Were almost there.
Kraush announced as he stepped out of the stopped carriage.
There it was, a manor divided into three sections.
One of these was entirely dedicated to Danphelions most prized alchemy.
This was where Kraush was headed.
This place looks splendid.
Thanks to a request to the Tower, the exterior of the manor has been enchanted with scent-removing magic.
Alchemy required the ability to discern by sll, so nothing could be done about the interior.
As Kraush entered the manor, a high-ceilinged library with its countless books was the first thing to greet him.
Bianca, who loved books, glistened her eyes at the sight.
It seed Kraush might have to buy her a few books on the way.
Thats when footsteps echoed from within the library.
When Kraush looked up, there she was, a girl with flowing blonde hair.
Darling, you ca?
Darling Danphelion.
She was the future Sovereign of Alchemy.
Whos your darling? Stop it; its nauseating.
Why so? Weve been accomplices in the shadows.
Darling chuckled as if she found Kraushs reaction amusing.
Then, turning to Bianca beside him, she smiled brightly and waved.
Hi there, little miss! Long ti no see!
Hello.
Aww, how cute.
Delighted by Biancas courteous bow, Darling behaved as though shed seen a cute creature.
Kraush handed over a bag to Darling, who was still reveling in Biancas innocence.
Golden Dragon Grass and Snow-White Heat Mushroom.
You really got them. Impressive.
She admired Kraush with a glimpse.
How was the potency of the chemicals?
When Kraush scrunched up his face, Darling burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Puhahaha!
Can I punch you now?
Just a second, ugh, my stomach, puhuhuhuk.
Watching Darlings face turn red from laughter, Kraush rely flicked his tongue in response.
Bianca alone seed puzzled, unable to fathom what had changed in Kraush.
With one more round of Darlings laughter ringing loud, the trio moved deeper into the alchemical hall.
Just as its na suggested, nurous alchemists moved busily within it.
They discussed ongoing experints and trudged around, weariness evident in their steps.
Speaking of which, isnt it hard to keep calling you little? Youve grown quite a bit. Pretty soon youll catch up.
Ill catch up within the year.
Heh, it wont seem strange even if you have a boyfriend then.
Was she still going on about that?
Catching the hint from Kraushs glance, Bianca seed too preoccupied exploring her surroundings to care.
This is my room!
After enduring Darlings idle talk during their walk, Kraush finally arrived at her room.
Staring at the door labeled Darling Danphelion with disdain, Darling flung it open.
Co on in, welco!
She bead with excitent as she ushered Kraush and Bianca in.
Inside was a tidily arranged alchemical laboratory, contrary to Kraushs expectations.
Thinking it might resemble Ebelasques disarray, he looked back at Darling, sowhat taken aback.
You keep things tidy.
What did you take for? I like cleanliness. Plus, theres a lot of dangerous stuff in alchemy, so if you dont keep it organized, its the recipe for disaster.
Sorry, but a future Sovereign of Alchemy like Darling wont be able to pay attention to such things.
With the World Erosion a constant plague, they return ssed up daily, too busy to have a monts peace.
These are certainly your happy days.
Kraush looked at Darling sowhat pitifully.
Then shall we start making the elixir? All good?
Welco.
Apparently having prepared the other ingredients, Darling imdiately began crafting the elixir.
anwhile, Kraush joined Bianca in sitting down, watching her work.
Bianca seed bored and had soon opened a book to read while Kraush stared intently at Darlings back.
Reminded of old tis while looking at her, considerably younger than in his mories, Kraush felt nostalgic.
[ Hmm, she definitely has talent. ]
Looking at Darlings alchemy, Crimson Garden gave a high appraisal of her talent.
Kraush, not well-versed in alchemy, just watched, while Crimson Garden seed to see sothing else entirely.
About an hour later
Whew, done.
After adding a final drop of diluted red liquid to the round elixir, Darling looked satisfied with the result.
She turned to Kraush, still gloved, the elixir in her grasp.
Is it complete?
Yeah, its done. The naless elixir!
Apparently because it wasnt her recipe, Darling spoke with suspicion.
[ Ask if theres a training ground. Its best to consu that elixir in an empty place. ]
Honoring Crimson Gardens request for the elixir, Kraush relayed her words to Darling.
Following this, Darling wrapped the elixir in cloth and motioned for them to follow.
Clearly, she also sensed the effect of the elixir and acted accordingly.
Bianca, were heading to the training ground.
Okay.
Without taking her eyes off the book, Bianca rose from the chair.
Then, she clutched Kraushs clothes tightly from behind with one hand while reading as they walked.
It must have been an interesting part of the book.
The place they were led to, courtesy of Darling, was an empty training hall within the alchemical wing.
This place is used for experints related to elixirs. We have knights on our side, too. When its in use, no one enters, so feel free to use it as you like.
Darling spoke, handing the elixir to Kraush.
Is it okay if I watch you use it?
When Kraush glanced at Crimson Garden, she nodded in agreent.
Sure.
Receiving the elixir from Darling, Kraush approached the center of the training ground.
Crimson Garden flapped her wings, landing in front of him.
[ Swallow the elixir, and sit cross-legged. ]
Finally, the ti to ingest the elixir had arrived.
Kraush swallowed it whole.
Despite the bitter and brackish taste, he endured and felt a sudden warmth brewing within him.
Then, sitting down cross-legged, it seed as if Crimson Garden was laughing for so reason.
Kraush sensed a malicious intent in her expression.
The warmth from the ingested elixir grew hotter within him, spreading throughout his body.
What have I just eaten?
Did you eat it without even knowing?
Wondering if Darling expected him to answer his own question, she replied with a look of dismay.
[ The elixir you consud is called the Nine-Weeps Transformation Pill. A miraculous pill said to transform one into a dragon after facing nine sobs. ]
Following Crimson Gardens explanation, the boiling heat within Kraush suddenly spread to every part of his body.
Simultaneously, the heat began to wildly prick him all over like needles.
There was unquestionably pain.
But amidst it, Kraushs eyes rely blinked.
[ Endure it just nine tis. Only then will you beco stronger. Enduring pain is your forte, isnt it? ]
While endurance was his field of expertise, there was certainly a sensation of spreading pain, yet it wasnt unbearable.
Has it not begun yet?
Kraush had been on edge thanks to Crimson Gardens warnings, but the expected nine sobs had yet to co.
Observing him, Crimson Garden herself began to sense an anomaly.
[ Arent you feeling anything? ]
Doesnt it hurt?
Crimson Garden and Darling asked in unison, clearly confused.
Judging by their reactions, the effects should have manifested by now.
Well, I cant help feeling pain, but it doesnt seem that bad.
And Kraush began to gradually realize what this sensation was.
Long before, he had suffered from a curse called the Needle Malignancy, which felt as if needles were piercing his entire body.
This sensation was similar to that.
Because the pain was familiar, the shock was less severe.
Soon after, he also felt a sensation as if lightning were scorching his insides, another mory that recalled a similar curse he had experienced before.
It was endurable.
This too was just another pain he had already faced.
[ What have you been through? ]
Crimson Garden stared at Kraush in disbelief.
Without even a single sob, the sight of him nonchalantly facing the pills effects seed abnormal to her.
Kraush felt uneasy himself.
Now he could see what Arthur ant when he talked about being ruined by curses.
[ Tsk, youve had too many odd experiences. ]
Crimson Garden clicked her tongue, looking at Kraush, who still appeared perfectly fine.
She had figured out why the Nine-Weeps Transformation Pill didnt affect him as expected.
[ Since its co to this, absorb it properly. The more you focus, the better the absorption rate will be. ]
In that case, he would use the situation to his advantage.
Kraush heeded her words, focusing on the elixirs effects.
[ Lets see if you can at least beco the tail of the dragon. ]
It was ti to rise from the head of a serpent.
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